IPOH: The standard operating procedure (SOP) of the case where a headmaster in Selangor carried a substantial amount of money meant for the school’s aid which was later stolen has been breached, says Fadhlina Sidek.

The Education Minister said for any amount that exceeded RM10,000, the SOP required escort from the police or other teachers.

ALSO READ: Thief breaks into headmaster's car, escapes with RM109,000 school aid

“In this specific case, the amount was more than RM100,000. The SOP has definitely been breached.

“I view this case very seriously, and we will wait for the police investigation and the Selangor Education Department’s report before deciding on the next course of action,” she told reporters after visiting SK Chepor here on Tuesday (Jan 17).

On Monday (Jan 16), a thief allegedly broke into the headmaster’s car and escaped with RM109,000 that was kept in the front passenger seat when he had gone to get a drink from a nearby restaurant in Semenyih.

The money, meant for financial aid to the school, was earlier withdrawn from a bank in Kampung Baru Semenyih by the headmaster and placed in a bag.

Fadhlina added that the ministry would not compromise on any case involving negligence.

“It's the students' rights to receive aid, and this in no way will be compromised either.

“We have a process to go through where negligence is involved, and the students will definitely receive what is due to them accordingly,” she said.

She also said to her knowledge, this was the first such incident because there had always been escorts and proper SOP that schools adhered to where the process of handling money was concerned.